At least 12 people have been killed and around 29 wounded in a mass shooting at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, authorities confirm. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration known as Chanukah by the Sea, where hundreds of families and visitors had gathered.

New South Wales Police say the incident — widely described as a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community — unfolded in the late afternoon when two gunmen opened fire on the crowd from a nearby bridge and public areas. Dozens of shots were reported, and witnesses described scenes of people fleeing in panic as gunfire echoed across the beach.

One of the suspected gunmen was killed by police, while a second is in critical condition and in custody. Police have not ruled out additional suspects and labelled the attack a terrorist incident. Officers urged residents and beachgoers to avoid the area while the scene remains an active crime zone.

Among the injured were several children and two police officers who were treated in hospital, officials said. Emergency crews responded quickly, with witnesses recounting harrowing moments as victims were evacuated and treated on-site before being transferred to medical facilities.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns strongly condemned the shooting, with Albanese calling it an “evil act of antisemitism” and pledging support for the Jewish community and affected families. Authorities also discovered suspicious items near the scene that are being assessed by bomb squads.

Eyewitnesses recounted chaos on the sand and nearby streets as people sought safety in businesses and shelters while emergency services secured the scene. A number of bystanders also performed acts of bravery, with at least one civilian intervening against an attacker.

The attack has drawn international condemnation, with global leaders expressing shock and solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community. Security has been heightened across the country, and a full investigation into the motivations and planning behind the shooting is underway.